LONDON -- Cable & Wireless has selected Nortel Networks* [NYSE/TSX: NT] softswitches to enable its next generation voice service, Cable & Wireless IP Voice. The network is expected to offer some of the most advanced, hosted, next generation voice over IP (Internet Protocol) services for UK businesses.

Under the contract, Nortel Networks will deploy products from Nortel Networks Succession* voice over IP communications portfolio. Cable & Wireless IP Voice will allow business customers to realise the benefits of a converged network by combining existing telephony systems with the latest IP technology in a single infrastructure.

Cable & Wireless IP Voice is designed to enable business customers to migrate from legacy networks to IP at their own pace. Existing infrastructure and devices can easily be integrated to run across the same network. Analogue handsets can be re-used and local area network (LAN) upgrades can take place incrementally. The service will support all private voice protocols commonly used in businesses today, enabling companies to use existing telecoms infrastructure while planning migration to IP.

"We are delighted to be the first to market in the UK with a managed IP voice service for business customers," said Mark Quartermaine, director, UK marketing and services, Cable & Wireless. "Nortel Networks has the proven technology and the expertise to understand our requirements to be the leader in the UK."

Nortel Networks Ltd.

Cable & Wireless plc